Ciao

So last night, after taking an evening walk along the river, we decided we were still too full from lunch to eat out, and when returning to the hotel we found some kind of piano/ strange jazz lady concert going on so we couldn’t even have a drink at the bar , cue moody Ely and an early night.

This morning, we had a much more relaxed start, realising that we had ‘done’ most of Verona, it being a rather small city. So a late breakfast (still didn’t dare to have Prosecco, but did have a plate entirely of biscuits and cake) and a long shower before leaving.

We walked across the city to Castelvecchio, spending some time crossing the bridge first (where you can climb up precarious steps to higher viewpoints without any dissuading health and safety signs, very liberating) and having a quick stroll right by the waterside .
Inside Castelvecchio is a museum, which we really enjoyed. Being a massive art and religion ignoramous, it was fun to have a museum where the rooms of sculpture and art were interspersed with a little bit of ‘running around the battlements’. Great fun. What we were most surprised at was how close you were allowed to the art. No boundaries, glass screens or ‘do not touch’ signs. All on absolute trust that we weren’t going to try and destroy any renaissance art.
We did laugh at quite a lot of it, particularly the inability to depict accurately the face of a horse, or the numerous ‘Madonna and child’s where she was breastfeeding from inexplicable angles. I don’t know if any of these artists had seen the female form before, but either they were extraordinarily perky women or they had boobs coming out of their collar bones back in the day.

Anyway, it was all pretty educational as each room had decent descriptions in multiple languages.
After leaving we walked a little way away to find a restaurant for lunch, determined to eat in moderation. We found a proper snack bar where Rich ordered because I didn’t dare, we got meat, vegetables (they have Brussels sprouts in Italy!) and wine so all was well.

As we walked back I decided I best not leave Verona without having gelato. I had mint choc chip and tiramisu and they even had some dairy free varieties for Rich.

On the way back to the hotel we accidentally came across Juliet’s house which we couldn’t find for love nor money yesterday. Probably because today there were throngs of tourists marking the entrance. It’s a bit insane really. A tiny courtyard with a little balcony, rammed with people and selfie sticks which appear to still be a ‘thing’, and a statue of Juliet with everyone crowding to get photos of themselves touching her breasts. I believe it’s supposed to be for good luck...there were even people holding up their children to assault the poor lady. Not at all perverted. But at least we can say we’ve seen it. And the balcony.

Back to the hotel for a little siesta, we were determined to stay out past 8pm tonight. We got ready to go out for some pre drinks. On the way out we spontaneously decided to nip in the church of Saint Anastasia which is literally next to the hotel. And that is where today’s photo was taken. It was stunning, and highly deserving of a top ten spot in my ‘favourite ceilings of the world’ list. Annoyingly I had ditched the proper camera so this was on iPhone. Doesn’t quite do it justice, but it’s still imprinted on my eyes. Best church in Verona, hands down.

After that little lift, we found a little restaurant and sat outside for a couple of drinks. Rich ordered a pina colada which raised the eyebrows of the waiter. Very happy with the fact that if you order drinks they bring you out all kinds of snacks too. My kind of country.
We then found another little restaurant for dinner, getting in early before the locals. We had some great food as Rich had some giant shrimp and other squiddly diddlies that I couldn’t look at (too many eyes and legs). I had ragu which was incredible. Finished off with an espresso which nearly burnt my cheeks off. Top notch
Lying here with an actual food baby. Having difficulty seeing the tv over it..,

Home tomorrow. We’re thinking we should have time for breakfast in the hotel. Ahead of airport breakfast and plane breakfast.